The agency said the strike targeted a group of civilians near Al-Qassam mosque in Beit Lahia, with the victims transported to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Hospital officials confirmed receiving the bodies but did not provide additional details.

The Israeli military said it was reviewing the reports and did not immediately comment further.The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of violating a ceasefire that took effect on October 10.

The truce largely halted the war that began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 786 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. The ministry operates under Hamas authority, though its casualty figures are widely cited by international organizations including the United Nations.

The Israeli military has reported that five of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza during the same period.Independent verification of casualty figures remains difficult due to restrictions on media access to the territory and ongoing security conditions.

The plan, reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump and coordinated with Egypt and Qatar, outlines a phased truce that would begin with the release of 28 Israeli hostages—both alive and deceased—within the first week. In exchange, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with the return of the remains of 180 Palestinians killed during the conflict.

According to the proposal, humanitarian aid shipments would begin flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip immediately upon Hamas’ endorsement of the ceasefire agreement.

The next stage of the plan includes the release of the remaining 30 Israeli hostages after a permanent ceasefire is secured. The White House confirmed Thursday that Israel has agreed to the terms outlined in the proposal, marking a potential breakthrough in negotiations that have remained stalled for months.

Deep Disputes Remain

Hamas, which has been reviewing the proposal, is expected to issue a response by Friday or Saturday. Despite hopes of progress, significant gaps remain between both sides.

Israel has maintained that it will not agree to a permanent ceasefire unless Hamas is fully dismantled and disarmed, and all hostages are returned. Hamas, however, has consistently rejected demands to surrender its weapons and has insisted on a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

War’s Heavy Toll

The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel initiated a massive military campaign in Gaza that has since claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The war has devastated Gaza, leaving large swathes in ruins and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of catastrophic conditions, especially amid limited access to medical care, clean water, and essential supplies.

Next Steps

While the US proposal marks one of the most detailed plans for a cessation of hostilities to date, success hinges on Hamas’ acceptance and the ability of mediators to bridge the core disagreements. International observers are watching closely to see whether this ceasefire plan will finally bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s recent history.